Module Database

Information for module PHARG006

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This course is taught by the Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and is about the discovery of new drugs. Students will consider the ways of identifying novel compounds for development and the processes which take place before such compounds are released onto the market following its introduction into clinical practice. The course includes an opportunity for project work on the development of a specific drug, a practical class on the effects of drugs on gastric secretion in human volunteers, seminars on ethics committee operation and on drug licensing and a one-day visit to the drug industry.

Module aims:

The aims of the course are to provide students with an understanding of the process of drug discovery from the identification of novel targets to the introduction of new drugs into clinical practice. You will be expected to think critically about the objectives and experimental designs of the various stages of drug development. You will have the opportunity to study in depth a selected topic related to new drug design. You will be able to develop your skills in effective team-work and presentation of project work as a poster for group discussion. You will have the opportunity of seeing aspects of new drug development in an industrial setting.

Module objectives:

On completion of the course, students will be able to give knowledgeable accounts of the following topics. 1. To be able to explain how novel targets for drugs are identified and to give specific examples. 2. To understand how novel compounds are screened for the desired activity and to understand the limitations of such screening. 3. To be able to explain the objectives of pre-clinical evaluation of novel compounds for activity and toxicity. 4. To know what information is desirable before a novel compound is first introduced into human subjects and to be able to explain the objectives of Phase I clinical studies, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic matters. 5. To be able to explain the design features of a valid clinical trial, including ethical considerations and statistical requirements. 6. To understand the information needed to introduce a new drug into clinical practice, the function and operation of the licensing scheme and the arrangements for monitoring new drugs after their introduction into clinical practice. 7. To be able to give a critical commentary on clinical trial data.